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TAMPA (Dec. 27, 2013) – American Athletic Conference play begins Saturday and the Bulls have a huge opportunity to gain some momentum at home.

USF has a chance to halt red-hot Rutgers’ win streak at five when the programs face off at 7 p.m. at the Sun Dome. The Bulls are looking for their second straight victory over the Scarlet Knights after grinding out a 42-39 Big East tournament victory last season.

More success against Rutgers would help the Bulls snap a three-game losing streak after head coach Jose Fernandez’s squad finished non-conference play with a 71-64 setback at College of Charleston on Dec. 21. Sophomore Courtney Williams continued her stellar season with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Williams’ 15.6 points per game lead the Bulls and ranks her eighth in the AAC, and the 5-foot-8 guard has been aggressive on the glass with 6.7 rebounds per game.

Alisia Jenkins also shined against College of Charleston with 16 points and 17 rebounds. The sophomore forward currently leads the conference and ranks 23rd nationally with 11.0 rebounds per game.

Rutgers (9-2) is receiving votes in both major top 25 polls after handing No. 16/15 Georgia its first loss of the season Dec. 21 in Piscataway, N.J. The Scarlet Knights held off the Lady Bulldogs, 61-58, while Betnijah Laney and Kahleah Copper both finished with 18 points apiece. Laney ranks second in the conference with 10.2 rebounds per game and Copper is Rutgers’ top scorer at 16.3 points per game.